Local 97 – CDHA Nurses: Bill 37 Passed Into Law, Return to Work

Today is a dark day for democracy and workers in Nova Scotia. At 7:30 a.m., Bill 37 (Essential Health and Community Services Act) was passed by a Liberal majority government.

This means that, by law, all Local 97 Registered Nurses who were on legal strike and were scheduled to work today (Friday, April 4th) must show up for your shift as soon as you are able to get there. Your employer is requesting that emergency services staff members that are working as per the emergency services plan stay until a manager determines it is safe to allow them to leave. Our legal counsel advises you comply with this request.

While we are deeply saddened with this government’s betrayal of workers, we are incredibly proud of nurses for showing up, speaking out, and refusing to be silenced by Stephen McNeil on the crucial issue of patient safety!

Rest assured, this fight is not over: the NSGEU plans to launch a constitutional challenge against Bill 37, to ensure workers’ bargaining rights in this province are restored. The NSGEU and other unions will also hold future actions to protest the bill, and make sure this government is held accountable for their betrayal.

We will be holding meetings for Local 97 members who are affected by this legislation at the NSGEU office (255 John Savage Avenue, Burnside) on Tuesday, April 8th and Thursday, April 10th, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Thank you so much for showing up and standing together, as we fought for patient safety!

If there are any repercussions from your employer due to actions during this fight, please call the NSGEU at 424-4063 and we will assist you.